Kodak and Samsung announce printing alliance

Printer supplies makers Kodak and Samsung have agreed to work together to provide consumer inkjet machines throughout Europe.

The deal will see Samsung offer all-in-one machines that are based on printing and ink technology developed by Kodak, with machines manufactured under this arrangement already on sale in Germany.

Mark Kurz, general manager of Consumer Inkjet Systems and vice president of Kodak's Consumer Group, said the deal is a collaboration between "two great brands" that will be beneficial to both companies.

He explained Kodak will use the deal to expand its business, while Samsung will be able to take advantage of the advanced printing technologies developed by the American company to launch its first range of inkjet machines.

Mr Kurz added the partnership is a natural extension of Kodak's own consumer inkjet business and the firm will continue to market its own printers, ink supplies and specialist paper throughout the continent.

The executive also noted the arrangement reflects the strength of Kodak's technology in the consumer inkjet sector, as well as the progress the firm has made in developing a competitive business in this market.

Earlier this year, Kodak announced it would be focusing more heavily on its printing operations, which are among the most profitable areas for the struggling firm, which was forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US in January due to cash-flow problems.

However, its decision to close its digital camera business to achieve this may be paying off, as the firm has revealed its consumer and commercial inkjet operations saw strong growth in the first quarter of 2011, with revenues from ink supplies increasing by 34 per cent due to strong demand for the consumables.

Jurgen Kruger, director of IT Solutions Printing at Samsung Electronics, explained his firm is set to see great benefits from Kodak's years of experience in inkjet technology.

"Now we can offer additional products in a segment below our laser printer line-up, where Samsung has not been present up to now," he added.